Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that all local authority bodies achieve 100% compliance to pay outstanding bills and invoices within 15 days in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8428/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Payment of invoices by my Department is governed by the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997. The legislation provides for the payment of interest on valid invoices that are unpaid after 30 days from the date of receipt. In June 2009, the Government introduced a further non-statutory requirement to reduce the payment period by Departments to 15 days. The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland contains a commitment to extend the voluntary 15 day rule relating to prompt payments to local authorities. The commitment haseffect in respect of all valid invoices received on or after 1 July 2011.

Information in respect of the timing of payments by my Department, relevant agencies and local authorities is available on my Department’s website at

The payment of suppliers, consistent with proper financial procedures, is a matter for the local authority concerned.